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DISCUSSION
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: March 4, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Cheryl Weeks, Council Administrative Supervisor
Department: Council Office
Subject: Designation of One or More Alternate Voting Delegates for the SCAG 2026 Regional Conference and General
Assembly in Palm Desert, CA May 7-8, 2026 (All Wards)
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, approve the selection of one or more alternate voting delegates for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly, scheduled for May 7–8, 2026, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California.
Executive Summary
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) convenes its General Assembly annually—typically in May—to gather the official representatives of its member jurisdictions and help set the agency’s direction for the coming year. The General Assembly serves as a forum for identifying and addressing key regional policy issues.
Any city or county representative may propose a subject for study by SCAG, provided that the representative notifies the Regional Council President at least 45 days prior to the General Assembly meeting. The proposal must be submitted in the form of a resolution to the SCAG Regional Council for consideration.
Background
Founded in 1965, SCAG is a joint powers authority under California state law, established as an association of local governments and agencies that voluntarily convene as a forum to address regional issues. Under federal law, SCAG is designated as a metropolitan planning organization. Under state law, SCAG is designated as a regional transportation planning agency and a council of governments.
The SCAG region encompasses six counties (Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, 2 8
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Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura) and 191 cities in an area covering more than 38,000 square miles. The agency develops long-range regional transportation plans, including a sustainable communities strategy and a growth forecast, regional transportation improvement programs, regional housing needs allocations, and a portion of the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan. SCAG’s 86-member governing board, the Regional Council, conducts the affairs of SCAG; implements the General Assembly’s policy decisions; acts upon policy recommendations from SCAG policy committees and external agencies; appoints committees to study specific problems and programs; and amends, decreases or increases the proposed budget to be reported to the General Assembly.
Discussion
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) envisions serving as Southern California’s catalyst for a brighter future. Its mission is to foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and the promotion of best practices. The mayor currently serves as the City’s designated Voting Delegate and represents the City of San Bernardino at SCAG. The appointment of one or more alternate voting delegates will ensure the city maintains full representation and voting participation during the conference and General Assembly proceedings, if needed. SCAG’s core values guide its work and commitment to the region:
Be Open and Transparent – Conduct work in a manner that is accessible, candid, collaborative, and transparent.
Lead with Integrity and Equity – Demonstrate integrity and equity while addressing the diverse needs of all people and communities throughout the region. Make an Impact – Pursue meaningful, positive, and sustained outcomes that help the region thrive.
Be Courageous – Embrace deliberate, bold, and purposeful risks that can generate innovative and valuable benefits
Cultivate Belonging – Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all individuals and communities.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
Selecting a Voting Delegate and attending the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly align with Key Target No. 2: Focused, Aligned Leadership and Unified Community.
Fiscal Impact
Conference costs are covered under the 2025/2026 adopted budget. Estimated cost to attend per person including registration and lodging is approximately $1,000. The SCAG 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly in Palm Desert, CA May 7- 8, 2026, is part of the pre-approved travel for the Mayor and City Council. 2 8
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Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, approve the selection of one or more alternate voting delegates for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly, scheduled for May 7–8, 2026, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California.
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Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
None.
CC: Eric Levitt, City Manager